Key Management System for Cloud Cybersecurity Cost Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cybersecurity systems face challenges in efficiently managing and costing cybersecurity services, particularly in multi-tenant cloud environments, where tracking submissions and authenticating users across diverse object types is complex, leading to increased operational costs for both customers and vendors.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based cybersecurity system with a key management system that generates virtual keys for subscribers, allowing granular tracking of submissions and usage, and implements a tiered or pay-per-use pricing model based on actual object submissions, enabling efficient resource allocation and cost management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a public cloud multi-tenant architecture is used to host cybersecurity services, then infrastructure costs and operational overhead are reduced, but it becomes difficult to track and authenticate individual subscriber submissions across diverse object types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a key management system as an intermediary layer between the public cloud infrastructure and subscriber submissions. This system generates and manages unique cryptographic keys for each subscriber, enabling the cybersecurity service provider to track and authenticate submissions without requiring complex infrastructure modifications. The key management system acts as a mediator that translates diverse object types into authenticated, trackable submissions while maintaining the benefits of the public cloud architecture.
2Ease of operation
If traditional on-premises threat detection appliances are deployed, then submission tracking and user authentication are straightforward, but significant upfront capital outlay and ongoing operational costs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service key management approach where the system automatically generates, distributes, and manages cryptographic keys for subscribers without requiring manual intervention. The key management system autonomously handles key generation, storage, and rotation, enabling straightforward submission tracking while eliminating the need for expensive on-premises infrastructure. This self-service mechanism maintains ease of operation while significantly reducing operational costs.
3Productivity
If cloud-based cybersecurity services are offered without granular tracking, then service delivery is simplified, but accurate usage-based billing and resource allocation become impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary key generation and distribution to subscribers before they submit objects for analysis. By establishing authenticated identities in advance through the key management system, the patent enables both simplified service delivery and accurate usage tracking. The pre-established keys allow the system to efficiently process submissions while maintaining precise measurement of each subscriber's usage for billing and resource allocation purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the described invention is directed to a key management module and a consumption quota monitoring module deployed within a cybersecurity system. The key management module is configured to assign a first key to a subscriber and generate one or more virtual keys, based at least in part on the first key, for distribution to the subscriber. A virtual key is included as part of a submission received from the subscriber to authenticate the subscriber and verify that the subscriber is authorized to perform a task associated with the submission. The consumption quota monitoring module is configured to monitor a number of submissions received from the subscriber.